Canyon Grizl Review | Initial Impressions

[@BenFred616]

I had the same problem with a bike showing up and the indexing was all out of wack. I told Canyon, and they had me take it into our local bike shop and send them the bill for it. Canyon is really cool to work with in my experience.

[@willcowen2152]

I've heard another story similar to this recently - makes it an easier buy for sure!

[@samuelvaldez8769]

I just got my Canyon in a few days ago. Everything seems good except for the “clunking” into gears. It’s loud! Just wondering here, does this sound similar to the issue you were having? Thanks much friend!

[@samochoa6733]

I was afraid of buying a bike from Canyon because I thought I probably wouldn't get any good support from the company if some issues came up. I ended up going with a trek checkpoint only because there's a local trek shop in town. I really like canyon bikes, and their prices are very tempting.

[@sfreud2079]

Had a similar experience on my Ultimate. The front derailleur needed tweaked right out of the box. I told canyon...they gave me a credit to have it fixed at a local shop virtually no questions asked.

[@mattcarter2902]

Just picked up a Grizl myself just a few weeks ago. Absolutely in love. Such a phenomenal bike.

[@willcowen2152]

Good to hear you're enjoying it 👍

[@SpacePants77]

Received my Grail 7 a month ago. The shifting was also off out of the box. Otherwise - a great bike and I love it!

[@willcowen2152]

Fine if you know how to adjust it... Not so much if you don't. Good to hear you're liking it 👍

[@lucziczac]

A friend of mine bought the Grizl, got it in April. Shifting was off, he didn't know how to do it, took it to a shop. I bought a Canyon CC Mountainbike 20 Years ago, it arrived, the shifting was off. Coincidence? rather looks like a pattern.

[@dan4466]

I just received the Canyon Endurace 8 with the 105 groupset and the front derailleur does nothing. Rear is shifting great. I dont exactly know what I’m doing when it comes to adjusting the gears, but I got it so it shifts, but not like the rear. With your problem too, they must not check these before there shipped. It would only take a few seconds. Amazing

[@willcowen2152]

When the rest of the bike seems to be well assembled, it is a bit odd!

[@user-zo8ck6kg1n]

Another major consideration I can foresee is taking this to my local bike shop, and at the very least them admonishing me for buying direct, and at worst refusing service.

[@willcowen2152]

If a bike shop turns down workshop business because of the brand of bike, then they're probably not going to last all that long 🤷

[@user-zo8ck6kg1n]

@@willcowen2152 you’re right, and many are not around anymore. Brick and mortar bike shops need to change their business model and approach to sales. I’ve always recommended that bike shops remind every customer before they leave, “ if you find something that really appeals to you online, we can help you pick the size that fits you best and make some customizations to the fit. We don’t carry every line, but we have access to the majority of manufacturers.” So many shops get hung up on their product lines and don’t make the extra effort to get customers what they want. And because the majority of bike shops are selling the same big five brands, they’re losing out on a lot of big dollars from customers looking for something special. Also, the manufacturers and distributors are guilty of setting local bike shops up for limited success. The whole tradition of massive booking orders, and the lack of availability thereafter means shops are stuck with on inventory. The industry is due for an overhaul. Just in time delivery and inventory management needs to be implemented.

[@jonathangeva6692]

Thanks for the video Will! How does the Grizl seem like it will feel for long days in the saddle? Is it a comfortable fit? And do you think it would be badly suited for road miles as well as gravel? Heel up quick!

[@willcowen2152]

Yeah it's definitely comfortable for me, but most of the comfort factor will be down to a good bike fit and getting a saddle which works for you! With it being muddy and winter here, I've been using it solely on road for the past couple of months- works great. Some faster tyres for road and it would be even better 👍

[@danfresca8033]

I’d love one of these. The curry colour looks way better on your video than on the website. Probably will be something else by the time I have saved enough to buy one tho haha

[@willcowen2152]

And when/if they ever have it in stock! Bike to work scheme is worth looking into for it too 👍

[@theanswer00]

How does it ride? Is it vertically compliant? I ride a caadx and I'm starting to get a bad back from riding farm tracks

[@willcowen2152]

I'd say there wouldn't be a whole lot of difference between the two frames in terms of vertical compliance- carbon frame might reduce a bit of the buzz from bumpy surfaces, but honestly tyres, tyre pressures, & suspension (forks, stem or seatpost) will make a much bigger difference if you're struggling!

[@AnythingButRound]

Awesome vid :D Did you use the 'Find your size' feature where you put in your height and inner leg height for the frame size? It seems like I should be on a bike 2 sizes smaller :/

[@willcowen2152]

Yeah I did, I think it normally comes up one size smaller than what other brands/models would usually be. I think the best thing to do is check stack/reach of the frame Vs your current bike.

[@ivanyhtang]

Hey Will, great video, thanks for sharing your experience! Also welcome to Vancouver!! I'm interested in buying a Grizl too but curious how you'd rate the aluminum frame vs the carbon Grizl? I'm concerned about harsh aluminum frames especially off-road. Did you consider getting the carbon one? The aluminum version is certainly a lot more affordable though!

[@willcowen2152]

Thanks 👍 Yeah I did get the carbon one- the CF sl7 I think. Not too sure about carbon Vs aluminium ride quality to be honest- I'm sure tyre choice and pressures would make a bigger difference.

[@oi32df]

I have the same question but I can say that my 2XL Pathlite is rather very rigid and not very comfortable . I'm looking now for a Grizl but I expect to get no comfort if I choose their AL frame . This matters to me because I will often ride it with fully inflated gatorskin 32mm .

[@willcowen2152]

If you're after comfort on 32mm gatorskins, then you're probably better off looking into seatposts with an amount of flex/suspension and/or redshift style suspension stems and bars. The biggest difference in comfort on the grizl I've made is changing to tubeless tyres and rolling around on 30psi- makes most roads very comfortable and takes a lot of the off road harshness away (within reason)

[@marcozanola]

How did you find the sizing of the bike compared with the size chart they provide? Besides the small adjustments you mention in the video.

[@willcowen2152]

It worked perfectly for me- I used the size calculator on the website, ended up with a size large, and it seems to fit really well.

[@marcozanola]

@@willcowen2152 thank you, really good video too!

[@parviz92]

Great video, very informative. Greetings from Azerbaijan.

[@willcowen2152]

👍

[@kareemghattas802]

1)wondering what was your frame size? im getting the exact same bike hopefully arriving tomorrow, 2XL 2) what did you need to do to index your 2x GRX? I'm sure there's lots of info around but curious as youve already gone thru it. Also ive already ordered the short stem, and also ready to get another saddle if need be, these are things that usually need to be changed from stock. I would have had to wait till June 2023 if i wanted the 'other' colour - the drab gray - but im used to getting darker coloured frames so they don't stand out when locked among others. This time i had to go with the curry powder, so i'll need to stop locking the bike up now ;-) thanks for putting this info up!

[@willcowen2152]

I'm 1.87m and got the large frame- seems to definitely be in the right ball park. I do have short legs though for my height. The front mech cable tension was fine, I just had to adjust the rear derailleur barrel adjuster a fair bit to get it shifting nicely. Only took about 5 mins in a bike stand. Hope you like the bike and the colour! Sounds like you've got a head start on sorting the fit out too 👍

[@kareemghattas802]

​@@willcowen2152 yes sitting in the front room right now, thanks! i will have to fork out on a bike stand finally, as fixing bikes when I was a kid and bike stands did not exist, will not cut it. Im sure my back will thank me for it ill let you know how it goes looking forward to doing tubeless conversion next (another first for. me) and looking at Rene Herse 54mm tires to soften out the ride. Ive already got one in the shed left over, so I can see how far I am pushing it with tire clearances. (and whether I can still fit mudguards)

[@danstanley9341]

How is the 2XL suiting you? I’m 193cm and thinking about it or the XL….

[@oi32df]

Can you comment on your L carbon frame cause I wonder if in such a size it will emit cracking noises especially since my seat post will be extremely extended to satisfy my 99cm inseam . Also, is the BB (Token Ninja Lite BB4124) free from creakings noise ? its central thread is supposed to eliminate this.

[@willcowen2152]

One year in and no creaking to report from anywhere on the bike- only my old pedals, which are way past their best

[@oi32df]

Can you comment on your carbon frame cause I wonder if in such a size it will emit cracking noises especially since my seat post will be extremely extended to satisfy my 99cm inseam with a prospected 2xl frame Also, is the BB (Token Ninja Lite BB4124) free from creakings noise ? its central thread is supposed to eliminate this.

[@willcowen2152]

Seems fine so far- I always seem to have issues with squeaky pedals and shoes though!

[@oi32df]

Is their bolt system for the seat post fragile ? (risk of CF frame cracking?) because I will often have to remove and replace the seat post to put the whole bike in my hatchback . if so I will go with the aluminum frame model.

[@willcowen2152]

If you tighten it to the specified torque, I can't imagine you'd be likely that have any problems with it. Mines been fine so far, but I don't tend to adjust very often.

[@1brenmaster]

My Grizl arrived in perfect nic. Gears indexed etc. Made it tubeless straight away and swapped the brakes around. Only gripe I’d have is the bars supplied don’t really have enough flair and are a bit on the narrow side . They’ll be changed eventually.

[@kareemghattas802]

what do you find the main advantage going tubeless? im finding with the wider tires on gravel bikes, punctures are hardly any issue any more so is there any discernable difference converting the stock tires to tubeless?

[@1brenmaster]

@@kareemghattas802 I ride quite a bit off-road, roots, rocks, mud and gravel so two reasons for me. Eliminates pinch flats , especially at lower pressures. Slows the rebound of the tyre a smidge so improves handling. This is besides it resealing on small piercings of the carcass that would otherwise have you stopping to change a tube.

[@mattjns]

I put the Curve Walmer bars on mine. Epic.

[@1brenmaster]

@@mattjns cheers I'll look them up

[@ivanyhtang]

Awesome congrats! Did you get the aluminum frame or carbon frame? I'm curious if the aluminum frame rides harsh. I agree the bars don't look very flared for proper gravel riding. Is it typically possible to change bars at home without needing to do any work on the hydraulic brake lines? I don't have the tools to bleed or add fluid at home. Cheers

[@edramos1515]

Did you use and follow their online size calculator? I am usually 52 small and I was XS on thier website calculator with 66.5inches height and 30inches inseam. Thanks in advance.

[@willcowen2152]

Yeah I used the online size calculator. If you have any existing bikes and want it to fit the same, it's worth checking the stack and reach dimensions to make sure it'll fit as needed 👍.

[@ivanyhtang]

I'm even shorter and the Canyon calculator recommends XXS for me, which seems correct based on its listed dimensions and comparing to my other bikes. Note the XXS and XS use 650b wheels, not 700c.

[@emilianohasan]

You can chat on the canyon website with someone, but they advised me to buy one size shorter than usually, since Canyon fits larger than other brands.

[@tiger2too18]

Will, Thanks for the review. A few Qs . How tall are you ? And what size did you get. I’m 5’11” and Canyon recommend a M size. How much was the import tax / shipping to the U.K.? I am planning to get a Grizl Di2 to ship to S Korea. Is there another company other than UPS to deliver? UPS do a Customs Import Brokerage, which should speed up and streamline the customs bureaucracy. Regards Phil ( from U.K.)

[@willcowen2152]

6ft1ish (187cm) , went for the large frame- size, seems spot on. No import tax to pay on delivery, that must all be taken care of by Canyon. And I don't think they offer any different shipping services.

[@tiger2too18]

@@willcowen2152 Thanks for your swift reply. Would you consider a different set of slick road tyres for the Grizl ( when the current ones are not needed for a British winter commute)?

[@willcowen2152]

Either that or a set of cheap spare wheels with more road focused tyres on 👍

[@tinglydingle]

Did you go to school in Somerset? around 2011-ish? I used to rid with a guy called Will who looks a lot like you.

[@willcowen2152]

Sure did! I can't figure out who you are from your videos 🤔

[@tinglydingle]

​@@willcowen2152 My name is Danny, tall kid with dark hair. I rode a black Specialized and used to come out on the long wednesday/saturday rides with Mr. Brown. I remember you had the first bike I'd ever seen with a SRAM groupset.

[@tinglydingle]

What's weird is I found this video because I'm looking at buying a Grizl, so it's pure luck that I found your channel

[@willcowen2152]

@@tinglydingle that's such a coincidence! Yeah I remember well, you used to love a sprint!? The planet X which had the SRAM on is no longer....but the groupset lives on 😅 it's still on my road bike - theres a video of it somewhere on this channel. Would recommend the grizl. Seems solid and good value too- with the 2x groupset it doubles up as a road bike if you put some better rolling tyres on it.

[@Sergio_Gravelo]

Good bike my friend.😜

[@willcowen2152]

Snap!

[@peatyblinders92]

How have you found the top tube length? A size S top tube come out at 56cm

[@willcowen2152]

It's definitely a long bike- makes it nice and stable off road as a result. I just went with the size guide and that worked out well

[@martint4370]

What size is that? I just ordered one.

[@willcowen2152]

This one's a size large 👍

[@mpereirawolf]

Hello Will, How much does she weights?

[@willcowen2152]

Hi, not sure as I don't have scales. Canyon website says 9.7ish I think?

[@worldexplored5300]

How `s the comfort / Flex?

[@willcowen2152]

most of the comfort/flex comes from having 45mm tubless tyres running at ~40psi ... bliss!

[@kareemghattas802]

is anyone in the position of needing to switch to another stem and are done in by Canyon switching to non-standard 1-1/4" , 31.8mm steerer tube diameter? i have long legs and short reach, while Grizl frame is "long and low" - short stack and long reach. Opposite to my physiological dimensions. Ive already got canyon's short stem V13 at 80mm but that does nothing I used to buy the adjustable stems with a hinge to swing from 0 to 90 degrees upright, and bring the handlebars back a little bit and afford me a more upright, thus more comfortable riding posture. found something from germany but UK customs refused it (!!!), and got sent back. thank you brexiters i'm checking reddit for similar issues, but if anyone here knows, I would be MUCH obliged - thanks!

[@Jacobtyson30]

I use a Giant OD2 stem in 60mm. This is the best I could find when I looked at the time due to the same issue as you.

[@ivanyhtang]

I have experience with Giant's OD2 stem which is probably your best bet now. Could you have ordered another stem from Canyon along with the bike?

[@willcowen2152]

I feel like a lot of mtb stems are 1-1/4? Might be another avenue to explore.

[@SpriteHide]

Relatively easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA (note that is does not come with tools, so please have a set of hex/Allen keys and Phillips screwdriver handy). The bike weighs 27 lbs fully assembled, which is not bad.A couple quirks about the bike:- left brake lever operates the front brake (something to get used to if controlling the front brake with your right hand is what you usually do)- Shimano thumb shifters for the gears are positioned close to the center. This is a bit of a nuisance because changing gears involved taking your weight from one hand to change gears, a hassle if you are regularly changing gears. However, gear shifters positioned at the drop bars are very expensive compared to thumb shifters, so I can understand, given the price of the bikeBike is otherwise of good quality. Gears change fairly smoothly and fit/assembly is of good quality. A totally competent product for the price.

[@willcowen2152]

💯

[@willmunday8843]

Don’t buy upgrades ride up grades 🚵🏼

[@willcowen2152]

Pffft, said nobody